What are social search operators?

Social search operators are special search queries (like site:reddit.com or title:'looking for') that filter search engine and platform indices to retrieve exact conversational matches. They help you find people asking for recommendations or expressing frustration with competitors.

How do I use this tool to find clients?

Enter your product niche, your competitors, and select an intent trigger. The tool generates tailored query strings. Click any platform button to run the query directly, or copy the string to use in search bars.

Is this social search tool free?

Yes, this tool is 100% free and runs entirely in your browser without requiring registration. For automated, 24/7 scanning, alerts, and AI qualification, you can sign up for a Knivik account.

Home/Tools/Search Builder

Social Lead Search Operator Builder

Build high-intent search operators for Reddit, HackerNews, and Twitter instantly.

Samples:

Configure Leads Query

1. Intent Trigger Type

2. Niche & Target Keywords

Keywords / Product

Competitors

Industry / Audience

Google Timeframe

Looking for RecommendationsFind prospects actively asking for tools or services to buy.

Operator Output

RedditReddit Search

(title:"recommend tool" OR title:"best software for" OR title:"looking for recommendations") AND (selftext:"Email subject line analyzer" OR selftext:"cold copywriter" OR selftext:"freelancers")

Reddit works best with title: and selftext: filters plus AND/OR grouping.

GoogleGoogle Reddit Dork

site:reddit.com/r/ ("recommend tool" OR "best software for" OR "looking for recommendations") ("Email subject line analyzer" OR "cold copywriter" OR "freelancers") after:2026-07-21

site:reddit.com/r/ limits results to Reddit, and after: narrows to fresh posts.

HNHN Comment Search

("recommend tool" OR "best software for" OR "looking for recommendations") ("Email subject line analyzer" OR "cold copywriter" OR "freelancers")

Search comments on HN for recommendations, comparisons, and pain points.

XX Search

("recommend tool" OR "best software for" OR "looking for recommendations") ("Email subject line analyzer" OR "cold copywriter" OR "freelancers") lang:en -is:retweet

X works best with OR groups, lang:en, and -is:retweet for clean results.

Autopilot Your Social Listening

Manually running these is time-consuming. Let Knivik scan Reddit, HN, and Twitter 24/7. Get alerts immediately on matching posts.

Automate Social Selling

Social Prospecting Tips

Google vs Native Search

Google handles complex search operators (like parentheses, exclusions) better than Reddit or Twitter native engines, which is why Google dorks are highly recommended.

Exclude Competitor Links

When searching Twitter/X, adding -filter:links and -filter:replies filters out affiliate links and marketing pitches to help find authentic customer threads.

HackerNews Intent Comments

Technology buyers ask for recommendations inside “Ask HN” comments. Querying the HN Algolia archive specifically yields high-conversion enterprise B2B leads.